A Visionary’s Journey from Chicago to the World | REDinBLACK | Episode-005

Capturing the 'Perfect' Moment (with Malik Chatman) | Red in Black Episode-004:

Capturing the 'Perfect' MomentMy good friend Malik shares his perspectives as a photographer in a world bursting with moving images. Malik sees the world in frames and communicates powerful emotions and ideas with each shot. Photography isn't just an art form – it's storytelling, and Malik is here to give us a few good ones. #photography #redinblack #hellskitchen #newyorkstories #newyork #film #90s #2000s #greatness #blackexcellence #blackphotographyTIMESTAMPS[00:11] Malik's background growing up in Hell's Kitchen and how local parks influenced his work.[01:24] Advantages and disadvantages of growing up in New York City.[02:53] Perspectives on raising a family in the city versus the suburbs.[04:44] The message Malik aims to convey through photography and finding beauty in daily life.[06:47] Ethical boundaries in street photography and capturing vulnerable subjects.[07:34] Memorable shoots, including finessing entry into concerts and a "funeral" for a bar.[08:58] Personal growth goals, specifically improving socializing and networking as an artist.[12:09] How Malik started in photography and the transition to thinking visually.[14:31] Advice for Black youth interested in creative expression and photography.[19:25] Interest in collaborating with the New York Public Library and rediscovering reading.[21:38] Photography styles: Comparing the subtle approach of Gordon Parks to the "in-your-face" style of Spike Lee.[23:05] Why Malik would choose to photograph the 1990s and early 2000s era.[26:45] The impact of social media on the photography industry and personal creative pressure.[28:43] Differences between photography and videography, including technical challenges and editing.[33:01] Career highs and lows, from client gratitude to technical skill gaps.[36:19] The meaning behind Malik's username, "Ain't No Heroes."[37:31] Recognizing greatness and the importance of perseverance.[43:58] Future projects, including music videos and working with smaller artists.

"Our People Are Fractured Down the Middle" Keeping Black Love & Culture Alive | Jajuan Malachi

Like many Black storytellers, Jajuan Malachi couldn't find his community in corporate media -- so he built one from scratch. Starting in his Prospect Lefferts apartment, the BJC is now one of the most influential spaces for Black storytellers in New York City.In this episode of Red in Black, Jajuan -- a journalist, culture writer, and founder of the Black Journalist Collective -- breaks down why he created the BJC, what it actually means to bridge the gap between traditional journalism and content creation, and why the corporate media machine was never designed to serve Black people the way they deserve.We get into the real stuff too: the fracturing of Black men and women in 2025, hypergamy, soft commitment, what love actually means versus what people say it means, and why first dates should go deeper than love languages.And we don't leave hip hop alone — Kendrick vs. Drake, what Drake's redemption arc is actually missing, why Sexy Red's rise is a symptom of something bigger, and how Leon Thomas might be the light at the end of the tunnel.Jajuan is sharp, observant, and deeply intentional. This one covers a lot of ground, and all of it real.CHAPTERS00:00 Intro00:42 Meet Jajuan Malachi — Journalist, Culture Writer, Community Builder03:15 Building the Black Journalist Collective08:20 Conversational Libations — From His Apartment to a Movement14:10 Corporate Media, Content Creators & the Gap Nobody's Bridging21:45 The BJC's Next Chapter — DC, LA, Chicago & Beyond27:30 Jajuan's Origin Story — Bronx, NYU, Morehouse & Fox News35:12 The Gender Wars & Why Black Men and Women Are Fractured42:05 Hypergamy, the Top 20% & What Women Actually Want50:18 Soft Commitment & the New Rules of Modern Black Dating58:40 What Love Actually Means (Beyond Love Languages)01:06:12 Drake, Kendrick & the Last Real Moment in Hip Hop01:15:30 Sexy Red, Leon Thomas & the State of Black Music01:24:05 Jay-Z, Hell's Kitchen & the Casino That Almost Happened01:32:50 Where the BJC Is GoingFOLLOWYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@UCjiFJ5festi2gd6zd27i5Qw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4GFeHS9wP9btwKL8j03nMNNewsletter: https://getdowntoearth.substack.comInstagram: @redinblkTAGSBlack Journalist Collective, Black journalism, Black storytellers, NYC community, Black dating, hypergamy, Kendrick Drake, hip hop 2025, Black culture, gender wars, Red in Black podcast, Down to Earth, Black entrepreneurship, content creators vs journalists, Conversational Libations, Black community NYC, corporate media, Black men relationships, modern dating, Ebony magazine, Black music 2025, Leon Thomas, Sexy Red, Jay-Z, Drake album, Black creatives New YorkHASHTAGS#BlackJournalism #BJC #BlackStorytellers #NYC #BlackCulture #BlackDating #HipHop #KendrickLamar #Drake #RedInBlack #DownToEarth #BlackCommunity #BlackEntrepreneurship #ConversationalLibations #GenderWars #BlackMen #BlackWomen #Hypergamy #LeonThomas #BlackMedia

American Entertainment Revival (ft. Manza) | Red in Black Podcast E-003

American Entertainment Revival | Red in Black Podcast E-003:In this episode of Red in Black, I sit down with the incredibly talented Manza, an artist, entertainer, painter, and designer hailing from Rosedale, New York. We dive deep into his journey, exploring his creative process, his past struggles, and his triumphant rise as an artist.Manza opens up about the importance of building community, how self-belief—and the belief from those close to him—has shaped his path, and how he navigates the highs and lows of life. He also shares the personal tactics he uses to fuel his art and creativity. Stay tuned for a special performance from Manza, as he gives us a glimpse into his world through his art.Join us for an inspiring conversation about overcoming obstacles, staying true to your vision, and the power of community and connection.Revival Activity in Entertainment#communityimpact #rappers #music #writing #art #artistry #nyc #entertainment #entertaining #community #communityimpact #fyp #foryou #podcasts #podcast #dte #downtoearth #redinblackTIMESTAMPS00:00:00 Introduction: Meet Manza, a multidisciplinary creative and performer.00:01:07 The 2019 Shift: Reflections on personal loss and remembering your inner artist.00:02:48 The Many Selves: Defining the roles of Manza, Domino Holiday, Manny, and Min.00:04:42 Transmitting Experience: Shoving emotions through the funnel of different mediums.00:06:08 Painting in Silence: The dialogue between the self and the canvas.00:07:04 The Formula: Subconscious beginnings and playing with color theory.00:08:31 Gut Instincts: Why the "knowing" is better than the expectation.00:10:36 The Entertainer: Moving beyond "content creation" to performance and acting.00:14:13 Dance as Language: Why movement preceded words as our primary communication.00:15:04 Freestyle Roots: Pressure, truth, and the evolution of a dancer's journey.00:16:40 Finding Your BPM: How individual rhythm dictates style and swag.00:18:25 Dancing with the Brush: How musical tempo influences visual marks.00:20:15 Radio Station Mindset: Exploring moods through diverse musical genres.00:22:12 The Car Studio: Getting it done with an Audi A4 and a small kit.00:24:15 Authentic Manifestation: Writing the truest thing you know.00:27:02 Redemption & Relatability: Why the world needs the "Feel Good" song.00:28:40 Rosedale Roots: Painting the community and the murals of Queens.00:30:15 The Deli Network: Using local influence to spark interest in the youth.00:32:04 Respecting the Craft: Acknowledging excellence across every spectrum.00:35:10 Breaking the Stigma: Family support and the reality of the post office.00:37:08 The Easter Egg: A connection to the "Good Kid, M.A.A.D City" cover.00:38:48 The Mixtape Era: Why the spirit of 2010s hip-hop is returning.00:40:40 Approving Yourself: Moving past the need for external validation.00:41:30 The Trained Eye: Learning values and form at the Art Students League.00:43:50 The Business of Art: Which medium can you afford to lose?00:45:10 Lockdown Residency: Forcing creativity through month-long deadlines.00:47:16 Wearable Art: The process behind the Manza polos and logo design.00:49:50 Tooling Up: Modifying brushes and hardening bristles for a unique stroke.00:51:40 Defining Community: Fostering shared energy and genuine connection.00:54:15 The Value of Time: Realizing what you have before it's gone.00:56:07 Song Showcase: "Long Days" and the story of the US Postal Service.01:00:10 Don't Sell Yourself Short: Chasing the dream despite the surrounding doubt.

A Visionary’s Journey from Chicago to the World | REDinBLACK | Episode-005

A Visionary’s Journey from Chicago to the World.The multifaceted Dion Lewis! 🎙️ From Chicago to Harlem, LA to Ghana, Dion shares his incredible journey of creativity, community building, and self-discovery. 🌍 His brand, "InPuristForm," explores themes of authenticity, individualism, and legacy. Hear the story behind his popular "Pit Walks" photography series in NYC and learn how his global experiences have shaped his unique perspective.Dion opens up about the importance of community, family, individualism and finding harmony in a fast-paced world. Dion Lewis is more than just a storyteller—he’s a movement. His artistic vision bridges cultures, blending the raw energy of city life with the deep-rooted traditions of his travels. Whether capturing the soul of New York’s streets through his "Pit Walks" photography or championing the ethos of "InPuristForm," Dion’s work challenges us to embrace our most authentic selves. Through his lens and words, he invites us to reflect on identity, purpose, and the power of human connection in an ever-evolving world. Dion's IG: https://www.instagram.com/lewthemessiah/?hl=en#communityawareness #community #Fashion #Photography #NYC #InPurestForm #Legacy #Authenticity #Individualism #Travel #Interview #creativesupport TIMESTAMPS• [00:00] Introduction and background of guest Dion Lewis.• [01:40] The origins and purpose of "pit walks" (photography walks) in New York.• [03:14] The importance of cultivating community and the differences between New York and LA.• [05:15] How traveling to Ghana shifted his perspective on happiness and humanity.• [07:01] Reflections on moving between different neighborhoods and cities to shape character.• [08:21] Defining an ideal living space through "harmony" and "authentic love."• [10:41] Thoughts on building a family and passing down a sustainable legacy.• [11:53] The importance of passing down knowledge and teaching others "how to fish."• [13:37] The core values and themes of his brand, In Purest Form.• [15:39] Capturing impulse and raw authenticity in photography.• [16:58] Family influences and the role models who shaped his foundation.• [19:28] A "horror story" from a pop-up event and the importance of thinking on your feet.• [22:32] The necessity of positive examples within the community to drive success.• [26:14] The vital role of art and creation in maintaining sanity and establishing a legacy.• [28:12] Perspectives on fashion versus individual style and authentic expression.• [29:48] The value of isolation in the process of self-discovery.• [32:40] Navigating a brand in an oversaturated market by sticking to a personal mission.• [34:12] Exploring new environments and bringing positive traits back home.• [35:46] Finding inspiration from friends and building a supportive ecosystem.• [37:45] Learning the practice of presence and being still in a fast-paced world.• [38:38] Rapid-fire word association: Power, Creation, Struggle, and Success.

He Built a Business From Scratch During Covid | Dre Steinberg Teaches How to Conquer

From JP Morgan presentation specialist to Harlem-based creative tech entrepreneur — Dre Steinberg, founder of Designed to Conquer LLC, is one of the most practical and generous business minds in the city.In this episode of Red in Black, Dre breaks down what it actually takes to build a business from zero: branding vs. logos, why your website isn't converting, how to stop wearing all the hats, and what it means to run your operation like a COO instead of a freelancer.We get into the real ones: grants (Dre won $18K in one hour of writing), how to use Notion and HoneyBook to automate your entire client pipeline, and why lazy entrepreneurs always get scammed. Plus — his vision for Designed to Conquer becoming a full creative tech agency that creates jobs in Harlem.This is one of those episodes where you need a notepad. No gatekeeping.🔗 Connect with Dre:Designed to Conquer: https://www.designedtoconquer.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/designedtoconquerllc/No Gatekeeping Podcast: [link]Grant Hub on Notion: designedtoconquer.com/granthub🎙️ Red in Black is a podcast by Down to Earth — featuring entrepreneurs, creatives, and community builders doing real work in New York City.Subscribe: https://www.youtube.com/@UCjiFJ5festi2gd6zd27i5Qw Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6Se2vCkDA0SP5l3HiGLQ8DInstagram: @redinblkDre Steinberg, Designed to Conquer, Red in Black podcast, Down to Earth NYC, Harlem entrepreneurs, Black business owners, small business tips, how to get grants for small business, HoneyBook tutorial, Notion for entrepreneurs, creative tech agency, branding for small business, web design for beginners, how to start a business NYC, solopreneur systems, business automation, grant writing tips, MWBE certification, minority business enterprise, Honey Book grants, entrepreneurship Harlem, Red Young podcast, business systems, AI for entrepreneurs, no gatekeeping podcast#RedInBlack #DesignedToConquer #HarlemEntrepreneur #BlackBusiness #SmallBusinessTips #GrantMoney #BrandingTips #BusinessSystems #DownToEarth #NoGatekeeping #HoneyBook #NotionForBusiness #CreativeTech #SolopreneurLife #NYCEntrepreneurTIMESTAMPS00:00:00 - Introduction to Dre Steinberg and Design to Conquer00:01:28 - The power of affirmations and pivoting after job loss during COVID-1900:02:04 - Defining a "Creative Tech" company: Blending branding with systems and automation00:04:43 - The transformation of clients from confusion to confidence00:06:22 - Why branding is more than just a logo00:08:52 - The three fundamentals of a website: Hosting, domain, and design00:10:18 - Why "lazy" entrepreneurs get scammed and the importance of research00:12:12 - Utilizing the public library as a free business resource and consultant00:18:13 - Using Bloomberg Terminals for market research and data00:19:54 - Identifying your target audience through detailed persona building00:21:42 - The levels of attraction: From "wanting" to "commitment"00:24:51 - The relationship between time and money in business investments00:27:53 - Funding a business through grants and building relationships with granters00:28:57 - Understanding business certifications like MWBE (Minority and Women-Owned Business Enterprise)00:33:22 - Case Study: Winning the HoneyBook Breakthrough Grant00:36:23 - Strategies for applying to grants and standing out00:44:00 - Early business mistakes: Handshake agreements vs. formal contracts00:48:22 - Managing client relationships and communication during hardships00:50:51 - Protecting intellectual property in service agreements00:57:51 - The future of SEO and shifts in social media algorithms00:58:58 - The emergence of "Prompters" and AI agents in the workforce01:02:49 - Essential business tools: HoneyBook, Notion, and ChatGPT/Claude01:07:11 - Setting up automated email marketing funnels01:16:31 - The "No Gatekeeping" podcast and the importance of sharing information